A true world leader spoke truth about the Middle East and began to break down the wall that had divided far too many. He did not come as a perpetual victim. He did not come to rehash old wounds. He did not beat the tired and tattered war drum that had already cost countless lives.
He came to Cairo to begin the process of tearing down the wall that had stood for far too long between the Western and Islamic worlds.
This World Leader spoke of a "New Beginning," not just for the Middle East, but for us all.
That leader was President Barack Obama and he changed history.
He still is. His faith in the best in all of us - no matter our faith, race, sexual orientation, or position in the world, has never changed.
"...So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, those who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. And this cycle of suspicion and discord must end.
I've come here to Cairo to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world, one based on mutual interest and mutual respect, and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles -- principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.
I do so recognizing that change cannot happen overnight. I know there's been a lot of publicity about this speech, but no single speech can eradicate years of mistrust, nor can I answer in the time that I have this afternoon all the complex questions that brought us to this point. But I am convinced that in order to move forward, we must say openly to each other the things we hold in our hearts and that too often are said only behind closed doors. There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground. As the Holy Koran tells us, "Be conscious of God and speak always the truth." (Applause.) That is what I will try to do today -- to speak the truth as best I can, humbled by the task before us, and firm in my belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces that drive us apart...."
In June of 2009, a true world leader gave a speech that has continued to reverberate through the years. He was not running for re-election. He was not trying to score political points for himself and others.
Instead, he was charting a path towards desperately needed understanding and peace for the entire human family.
All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an effort -- a sustained effort -- to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children, and to respect the dignity of all human beings.
It's easier to start wars than to end them. It's easier to blame others than to look inward. It's easier to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There's one rule that lies at the heart of every religion -- that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. (Applause.) This truth transcends nations and peoples -- a belief that isn't new; that isn't black or white or brown; that isn't Christian or Muslim or Jew. It's a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the hearts of billions around the world. It's a faith in other people, and it's what brought me here today.
Today, the Prime Minister of Israel spoke before a Joint Session of Congress. He did not present a path towards reconciliation and peace - only the same tired drumbeat of fear, suspicion, lack of accountability, and self serving political posturing. The leader of the only nation in the Middle East with nuclear weapons, attempted to derail our President's diplomatic nuclear negotiations with Iran. Today, while President Obama continues to fight for peace, understanding, and hope for tomorrow's children, another man addressed the United States Congress preaching fear, distrust, and wall building.
The contrast is stunning. There is only one world leader who has consistently worked to heal the many wounds between the Earth's peoples. He is our President, a President who was elected twice by substantial majorities. We have one President who speaks for us to the world. We have one President who speaks to the best in each of us all over the globe. We have one President who rightfully addresses joint sessions of Congress. We have one President who articulates our Foreign Policy, a policy based on our common humanity. In spite of right wing wet dreams and their mockery of our institutions and traditions that was Netanyahu's speech before Congress, that President is not Benjamin Netanyahu.
He is Barack Hussein Obama, the man who gave a speech in Cairo that will speak through the ages to the best in humanity.